Multi-function, stowable, compound-blade paddle system

ABSTRACT

A collapsible compound-blade paddle is herein disclosed. The paddle includes an elongated shaft, a blade housing, a paddle blade selectively receivable in and deployable from the blade housing, and a control mechanism for moving the paddle blade between extended and retracted positions. In certain embodiments, the paddle blade is capable of retracting into the housing by being formed from a plurality of blade sections that are pivotally coupled to one another. These sections are biased such that, when the paddle blade is extended, the paddle expands so that it can be used for paddling. When the paddle blade is retracted, these sections are pulled together so that they fit within the blade housing, and ultimately aligned to one another, and protected by, a protruding bumper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to handheld water paddles and, more particularly, to a self-contained, collapsible, and expandable compound-blade water paddle, which both contracts into a lower volume and extends into a longer shafted paddle. This device further operates as a docking device with a built-in hook and bumper system for use with seaplanes, boats, and other waterborne crafts.

A traditional paddle design presents several issues when traveling to a campsite, a lakeside outing, or even in general off-season storage. The blade, or sizeable flat end, is particularly fragile in these paddles. Not only does this present a potential problem of safe storage and transportation of the paddle, but it also will inhibit the performance of its intended use in the water. The option to be stowed in very limited quarters is ideal, especially if the device is to be kept in the small cabin of a craft, for example, a seaplane. Furthermore, besides the scenarios where a traditional paddle design is simply too long for storage, there are several more where it is too short in its fixed position-lending to the need of an adjustable length.

When on recreational outings, docking a watercraft can be worrisome in the approach to the dock, with factors as wind, current, and craft speed involved. The need exists for an extendable device that can counter an oversight to this complicated algorithm. Such a device must be close at hand and ready to lengthen and deploy. The need for versatility to not only push or pull toward or away from a dock but also to paddle is also a critical need felt by the seaplane, boating, and manually propelled craft industries. Ideally, an all-in-one device is needed for such a complex number of scenarios.

Existing paddles are large and difficult to store or transport in space-restrictive vehicles, such as seaplane cabins, or a car trunk. They are also single-use only and too weak and spindly to allow for any secondary usage. Existing paddles are generally slippery, with all rounded surfaces that do not lend themselves to assist in any docking, especially as the blade is a hindrance to this. Traditionally too long for proper storage in some areas/vehicles, this blade is fragile and easily damaged, resulting in malfunction and inhibited performance in the water. A shorter length is not only ideal for storage, but a concealable blade for protection of these fragile parts, while an extendable length and hooking apparatus allows for agility in standing and docking scenarios.

As can be seen, there is a need for a diverse water paddle with all of the needed functionality described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a collapsible paddle is disclosed that includes: (1) a paddle shaft; (2) a paddle blade; and (3) a control mechanism operably engaged with the paddle shaft and the paddle blade, the control mechanism being operable to selectively retract and extend the paddle blade relative to the paddle shaft.

In certain embodiments, the paddle blade is formed from a plurality of smaller blade sections, which are moveable relative to one another when the control mechanism retracts and extends the sections.

In certain embodiments, a blade housing is coupled to a lower end of the paddle shaft and receives the paddle blade when it is retracted by the control mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the control mechanism is slidable along the paddle shaft to move the paddle blade from retracted and extended positions, and includes a release button that locks/releases the control mechanism from a fixed coupling with the shaft.

In certain embodiments, a push rod couples the control mechanism and paddle blade so that operation of the control mechanism results in the retraction or extension of the paddle blade.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, in use, in an extended position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention, showing the paddle in a collapsed blade position (denoted by solid lines) and an extended shaft position (denoted by phantom lines);

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention while in its extended blade formation, with internal components shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention in the same extended blade formation as FIG. 3 , with internal components shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 5 is a detail exploded axonometric view of the embodiment of the present invention, showing the assembly of the center push rod, the rocker arms and paddle blades in an extended, assembled position;

FIG. 6 is a detail elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention, showing the center push rod, the double-rocker swing arms and the blade assembly in a retracted position within the paddle chassis (denoted by solid lines, and an extended blade position denoted by phantom lines);

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view cut along line A-A in FIG. 4 , showing a pushrod guide channel depressed into the upper paddle shaft, with the lower grip surrounding it; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view cut along line B-B in FIG. 4 , showing the pushrod guide channel below the point of entering the hollow lower shoulder of the paddle, with the upper paddle shaft dashed behind.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject disclosure is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure such that one skilled in the art will be enabled to make and use the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a paddle comprising: a paddle shaft; a compound-paddle blade; and a control mechanism operably engaged with the paddle shaft and the paddle blade, the control mechanism being operable to retract and extend the paddle blade, which effectively shortens and lengthens an overall length of the paddle. Thus, the paddle can easily be collapsed (e.g., for storage purposes) and expanded (e.g., to be used for paddling).

In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, embodiments may appear as a discreet canoe paddle but further include a retractable water-blade apparatus to shorten the overall length for stowing, safe storage, and expose the device's lower bumper for docking. As a further improvement over the prior art, the shaft of the paddle is extendable. This extendibility permits a user to pole off the bottom of a shallow water inlet, with a range of extension to allow for all body sizes to paddle comfortably, as well as typical use on a paddleboard, and a further reach for pulling into the dock. The upper/head-end of the paddle also has a push-pull docking arm on its side so that both ends of the device help dock an individual's craft.

The present invention allows for stowage and adjustment to dock or paddle with ease, with an assembly of options and surfaces to assist in either, none of which currently exist in its field. Embodiments of the present invention are expandable and contractible to serve numerous purposes. The primary purpose is to stow in tight spaces while allowing for quick conversions to assist with both docking and paddling, but there are many benefits, as discussed herein, and that which would be readily apparent to those with skill in the art. All elements are necessary to allow for the assembly of functions required and allow for adjustment to human bodies of different sizes.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8 , it will be appreciated that the present invention's teachings may be taken and dimensioned, as needed, to arrive at a paddle and docking device as described herein. In use, the present invention is an improvement over the old-style paddle, with hand placements in typical paddling locations, specifically, a first location (1) at an end of the paddle and a second location (2) at an intermediate position on the paddle. Advantageously, the present invention offers a collapsible blade(s) (5) (which may be embodied as a compound-blade made of discrete blade sections) for a smaller stowing size and also assists in docking of any watercraft. In certain embodiments, while in stow, the overall length of the paddle (6) may be as little as, for example, forty-two inches.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a paddle (6) generally comprises an upper grip (3), an elongated shaft (4) coupled to the grip (3), a hollow shoulder (10) (functioning as a blade housing), and a paddle blade (embodied as a compound blade with a plurality of blade sections, and forming a blade assembly (11)) selectively receivable in and deployable from the hollow shoulder (10).

The shaft (4) may, in certain embodiments, may be formed as an outer shaft (4) and an inner shaft (7) movably coupled thereto. If in need of a longer reach, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2 , the overall paddle shaft may be extended by pressing a shaft release (which may be embodied as, for example, a button) on a securing collar (8) thereof. The securing collar (8) holds the outer shaft (4) and inner shaft (7) in the extended position via, for example, a friction-fit connection after sliding the inner shaft (7) upward. This configuration can assist in poling off the bottom of a shallow stream bed or grabbing at a dock in precarious docking situations, where a longer reach is needed. Extension of the overall paddle (6) length also allows adjustment to accommodate human bodies of different sizes (e.g., a taller person may want a longer paddle).

As demonstrated by FIGS. 2-6 , the blade assembly (11) is movable between a collapsed, storage position (e.g., FIG. 2 ) and an extended, paddling position (e.g., FIGS. 3-4 ). To move between these positions, a lower grip (14) is slidably provided on the shaft (4). The lower grip (14) functions as a control mechanism, as detailed below. In certain situations, an ideal poling and docking configuration may be with the blade assembly (11) retracted into the hollow shoulder (10) of the paddle, as shown in FIG. 2 . A blade assembly release button (13) is coupled to the lower grip (14) to lock/release the grip (14) from locked positions (e.g., the extreme positions of the grip (14) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). If an individual needs to paddle water, a quick press of the blade assembly release button (13) provided on the lower grip (14) and sliding of the padded lower grip (14) down the shaft (4), the blade assembly (11) may be extended. A lower bumper (16) may be provided at an end of the blade assembly (11) and be used to safely push off from a dock or rock while the blade assembly (11) is either extended or retracted. Docking may also be significantly assisted by a push-pull docking arm (12) provided on the palm-grip/head end (3).

The blade extension/retraction mechanism is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5 , where a center push rod (9) is shown connected to the retracted blade assembly (11), while being concealed within the walls of the pushrod guide channel (15) depression of the paddle shaft (4). The blade assembly (11) may include outer blades (20, 22) and a center paddle blade (21). These blades (20, 21, 22) may be embodied as rigid, inflexible blades. The blade assembly further includes upper swing arms (17) and lower swing arms (19) to couple the outer blade (20, 22) with the center blade (21). These arm pairs (17, 19) are biased such that the outer blades (20, 22) are expressed outwardly from the center blade (21). These blades (20, 21, 22) remain retracted until the push rod (9) is pushed downwards via the lower grip (14) after the release button (13) has been pressed. When this is initiated, the pushrod (9), slides within the pushrod guide channel (15),to splay the blades (5/11) into their extended position, by downward force of the pushrod (9) and outward force of the rotational torsion springs (18), as shown in FIG. 5 . The directional arrows are illustrative of the movement of these components. Shown in the exploded axonometric view of FIG. 5 , the center push rod (9) is connected to the center blade (21) of the blade assembly (11), from which the other two blades (20, 22) are connected.

The spring-loaded blade assembly system is one feature that is unique to the present invention, and it allows for the option of small stowing size while not sacrificing a full-size beaver-tail canoe paddle shape. As mechanical motion of the center push rod (9) pushes the center paddle blade (21) of the blade assembly downward and out the concealed part of the paddle, the outer blades (20/22) swing laterally to create a broad paddle surface. As discussed above, the spring-loaded double-rocker swing arms pair (17, 19, also denoted in FIG. 6 ), includes two upper swing arms (17) and two lower swing arms (19). The pair (17, 19), when pivoted on their calculated pivot points, swing the stacked blades (20, 21, 22) outward and slightly up with rotational, outward assistance from four torsion springs (18), and remain aligned within the centering-guides (23), creating the ideal beaver-tail canoe paddle shape. As seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 , one outer paddle blade (20) swings counterclockwise, while the accompanying outer paddle blade (22) swings clockwise. When extended, the outer blades (20, 22) are held firm against the bottom of the hollow shoulder (10), counteracting the lateral water pressure when paddling, by the blade-centering guides (23) internal to the shoulder (10), and at their extremity by the lower bumper/guide (16).

In the collapsed position, with the blade assembly (11) retracted, both ends of the paddle may now be used for docking assistance. When holding the retracted blade end of the paddle, the push-pull docking arm (12) can be used to pull an individual's waterborne craft into a dock or push off an obstacle/dock. At the other end of the paddle, the lower bumper (16), which may be connected to a bottom of the center paddle blade (21), may be utilized most when the paddle (6) is in its retracted/collapsed form, protecting the end of the hollow shoulder (10) and blade assembly (11). It protrudes beyond these elements to be used also as a bumper element to assist with docking, as to be used to push off any obstacle. Additionally, the lower bumper (16) may act as a stabilizing element when the blade assembly (11) is in its extended form, aligning the outer blades (20,22) securely to the center blade (21), therefore against lateral pressure of the water while paddling.

The device's major components may be traded out when maintenance is required, therefore allowing for staggered repair needs. For example, the blade assembly, sliding handle system, chassis/main frame of the paddle, or the butt may be replaced independently.

A method of making the present invention may include the following. The chassis/shaft 4 (which may be formed from, for example, aluminum or carbon fiber) may be fabricated out of tube stock, with light metal inert gas (MIG) or tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding to produce the flare portion. Further, the butt may be 3D printed or injection-molded. The blades may be laser cut or independently molded, and screws, bolts, washers, bumpers, arms, shafts, and buttons may be assembled fully by hand or, when possible, by machine to produce the overall product.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. As an individual approaches a dock with a craft, such as a boat or a seaplane, the intent is to dock at a minimal speed to tie off the craft and allow others to enter and exit. The individual may grab the paddle (6) of the present invention, extend his or her arm to the dock with the paddle (6), and hook onto the dock railings or tiedowns. Or, say, if the individual approaches too quickly with the boat, they may push the paddle (6) against the dock with either end (12, 16) to dissipate speed. If speed dissipates far too quickly, he or she may simply press the release button (13) on the side of the lower grip (14) and slide the lower grip (14) down the shaft (4). When this action is performed, the paddle blade assembly (11) will appear, enabling the individual to paddle to the dock, where they can perform the first step of reaching out and hooking in. Furthermore, the novel storage configuration of the paddle (6) may be utilized best when the retraction of the blade assembly (11) is performed in the reverse manner, by pressing the release button (13) on the side, sliding the padded lower grip up the shaft (4), whereby the paddle blade assembly (11) is fully protected within the encasement of the outer frame/shoulder (10). Other methods of using the present invention will be clear to those with skill in the art from the above disclosure.

While one or more preferred embodiments are disclosed, many other implementations will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and are all within the scope of the invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with other described embodiments to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are therefore also considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the claims that follow.

While apparatuses and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the apparatuses and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted. Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A paddle comprising: a paddle shaft; a paddle blade; and a control mechanism operably engaged with the paddle shaft and the paddle blade, the control mechanism being operable to selectively retract and extend the paddle blade relative to the paddle shaft.
 2. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the paddle blade is a paddle blade assembly comprising a plurality of paddle blade sections movably connected to one another.
 3. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the paddle blade sections comprise: at least one outer paddle blade; and a center paddle blade pivotally coupled to the at least one outer paddle blade.
 4. The paddle blade of claim 3, wherein the at least one outer paddle blade is biased outwardly from the center paddle blade.
 5. The paddle of claim 1, further comprising: a blade housing coupled to an end of the paddle shaft, the housing being configured to receive the paddle blade when the paddle blade is retracted.
 6. The paddle of claim 5, wherein the paddle blade is configured to be positioned substantially outside the blade housing when the paddle blade is extended.
 7. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the control mechanism is slidable along the paddle shaft to selectively retract and extend the paddle blade relative to the paddle shaft.
 8. The paddle of claim 7, wherein the control mechanism comprises a release button configured to release the control mechanism from a locked position.
 9. The paddle of claim 1, further comprising a push rod that is coupled to the control mechanism and the paddle blade at opposing ends thereof.
 10. The paddle of claim 9, further comprising a housing coupled to an end of the paddle shaft, and the push rod is configured to: pull the paddle blade into the housing when the control mechanism retracts the paddle blade, and push the paddle blade substantially out of the housing when the control mechanism extends the paddle blade. 